Release of monomers in patient saliva following bonding of orthodontic brackets

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate whether orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances increased concentration of various monomers in patients' saliva. METHODS: The study included 30 patients aged 10-18. Saliva samples were collected at three time points: before the start of active treatment, immediately after the bonding of orthodontic brackets and during the first follow-up visit between 4 and 6 weeks after bonding. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) were employed to analyse the samples. RESULTS: Measurable levels of poly-EGDMA, HEMA, and BMAEPH were detected in saliva samples collected immediately after bracket bonding. Concentrations varied among patients. However, these substances were not quantifiable in saliva 4-6 weeks after bracket placement. CONCLUSIONS: The bonding of orthodontic brackets is associated with a transient increase in the concentration of bonding material constituents in saliva immediately after placement. The findings suggest that, using the current analytical methods, this release is temporary.